In a statement, Little noted that the meeting was part of the 27th annual meeting of the United States and Tunisia Joint Military Commission.

"Secretary Hagel welcomed Minister Sabbagh to Washington and emphasized his commitment to the U.S.-Tunisian defense relationship,” he said. “The secretary said he was pleased with the continued military-to-military cooperation between the countries and emphasized the need for future cooperation in light of shared interests and security challenges in the region."

Carter expressed gratitude for the continued support Tunisia has provided to the U.S. Embassy in Tunis in the aftermath of a Sept. 14, 2012, attack and for the continued cooperation between both countries on a wide range of mutual security issues, the press secretary added.